10 Great Family Events For February 2013

The Mark of Zorro at The New Victory Theater; photo by Douglas McBride

February 2 to April 22
Scientists & Sk8rs
[All ages]
If your child likes physics, action sports, or both, check this out: Tony Hawk / Rad Science at New York Hall of Science makes classroom concepts fun by applying them to the daring tricks you see on TV. The workshop will explore physics topics like gravity, velocity, and force to explain how daredevil maneuvers in action sports like skateboarding work. Science has never been this cool. Free with admission;children (ages 2-17) $18 and adults $11. 47-01 111th Street, Queens, 718-699-0005, nysci.org

February 8-24
Calling Young Adventure-Seekers
[Ages 7 & Up]
Come see “The Mark of Zorro” at The New Victory Theater for a legendary tale of action and adventure. Performed by the Scottish theater company Visible Fictions, this exciting story of a masked avenger has high-speed chases and rooftop swordfights that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whoever said theater can’t be as suspenseful and action-packed as the movies? From $14 (members $9); times vary. 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org

February 9
Jazz It Up
[All ages]
What is Latin Jazz? To find out, come see drummer and percussionist Bobby Sanabria for a new Jazz at Lincoln Center Family Concert! By combining Afro-Caribbean tunes with Pan-American beats, the talented musician and educator will have the kids hopping as he introduces the key concepts and history of Latin jazz. From $12; 1pm and 3pm. Broadway at West 60th Street, 212-258-9800, jazzatlincolncenter.org

Jazz at Lincoln Center Family Concert

February 9 & 10
Giddyup Go!
[Ages 3-8]
The timeless Paper Bag Players—named after the group’s creativity in rendering paper bags and cardboard boxes into costumes and props—is bringing Western-themed entertainment to Symphony Space in its all-new “Saddles and Sunshine” show. From a pie eating contest gone wrong to a bowling pin who aspires to be an art teacher, the rip-roaring sketches will have the entire family in stitches. From $15 (members $11); Saturday 11am, Sunday 3pm. 2537 Broadway, 212-864-5400, symphonyspace.org

February 9 & 10
Who’s Got The Beat?
[All ages]
Got the rhythm in your feet? Presented by The Little Orchestra Society, Lolli-Pops will get you clapping, tapping, jumping, and thumping with furry and feathered playmates like Bang the Lion, Bow the Panda, and Toot the Bird. This month, come see conductor James Judd at the “Who’s Got the Beat?” concert for the chance to move and groove to some catchy beats. From $15; Saturday 10am & 11:30am, Sunday 1pm & 2:30pm. 695 Park Avenue, 212-971-9500, littleorchestra.org

February 11 & 12
For Parent Eyes Only
[Adults]
At 92Y’s first-ever Parenting Conference: What Do Parents Really Need to Know?, you can finally get all of your child-rearing myths and facts straight. On Monday, hear an impressive lineup of child development experts discuss topics from raising children in the digital age to the connections between language and literacy. On Tuesday, parents are invited to an intimate discussion with the experts at the respective Moms and Dads Breakfasts. From $50; times vary. Kaufmann Concert Hall, 1395 Lexington Avenue, 212-415-5500, 92y.org

Paper Bag Players at Symphony Space

February 16 to May 12
Let’s Get Curious
[Ages 3-8]
Join your favorite ever-inquisitive primate as he explores the ins and outs of an urban neighborhood, from apartment building to sidewalk produce stand, at the Liberty Science Center. Inspired by the timeless classic from the books and PBS KIDS television series, the “Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!” interactive exhibit helps children learn valuable science, math, and life lessons with the help of The Man with the Yellow Hat. Free for children under 2, children 2-12 and seniors $12.50, adults $16.50. 222 Jersey City Boulevard, New Jersey, 201-200-1000; lsc.org

February 23 & 24
“Bark! In The Park”
[Ages 3-10]
Known for their performances just for kids, New York Theatre Ballet presents its newest hour-long ballet, “Bark! In The Park.” Choreographed by Chase Brock of “Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark” fame, the dance follows the story of two children searching for their lost dog in Central Park. While the story theme is accessible for the youngest audiences—complete with real-life canines—NYTB’s elaborate sets and costumes are sure to thrill veteran ballet-goers, too. From $36 (children) and $41 (adults); Saturday 1pm, Sunday 11am, 1pm & 3:30pm. Florence Gould Hall at FIAF, 55 East 59th Street, 212-679-0401, nytb.org

February 24
The Secret Ingredient
[All ages]
Here’s a fantastic way to introduce your children to delicious, high-quality food: The Children’s Museum of Manhattan teams up with The James Beard Foundation to create a Family Chef Series of cooking demonstrations with renowned chefs. This month, get some delicious, affordable recipes from Waldy Malouf, cookbook author and founder of restaurants like High Heat Pizza Burgers. Free with admission; tickets required; 2pm.  212 West 83rd Street, 212-721-1223, cmom.org

Curious George at Liberty Science Center

February 26
To Infinity, And Beyond!
[All ages]
The American Museum of Natural History will take you beyond planets, stars, and galaxies to the very edge of space in its “Astronomy Live: Edges of Space” program, inspired by the Voyager’s recent far-flung trip. Learn the differences between planets, dwarfs, star clusters, and other wonders at the borders of our galaxy in this otherworldly presentation. General $15; members, students, and seniors $13.50; 6:30pm. 200 Central Park West, 212-769-5100, amnh.org

 

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Once Upon A Mattress

<p>Bring your kids.</p> <p>Bring your parents.</p> <p>Bring your favorite pajamas!</p> <p>Once Upon a Mattress is back on Broadway, and it’s “pure let’s-be-kids entertainment” (New Yorker) fit for ages 7 to 107!</p> <p>Two-time Tony® winner Sutton Foster stars as Princess Winnifred the Woebegone, alongside royalty of stage and screen Michael Urie and Queen of Comedy Ana Gasteyer. Adapted for a new generation by Amy Sherman-Palladino (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), this uproarious retelling of The Princess and the Pea introduces the unapologetically eccentric Winnifred to an uptight kingdom, where she charms, delights, and dances her way to the top… of a stack of mattresses.</p> <p>So give the babysitter the night off and your kids a night on the town – you'll all live happily ever laughter!</p> <p>Get tickets at <a href="https://onceuponamattressnyc.com/">https://onceuponamattressnyc.com/</a></p>

Adventuring Portal

<p><a name="m_-1473885667065203258__Hlk72147528"></a>Adventuring Portal runs Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) games for kids.   We have created a safe online space for tweens and teens to learn and play D&D.</p> <p>Our D&D Summer Camp session are a one-week experience.  Monday – Friday.  Each day will be 3 hours of gaming (with 2 breaks build in).  15 total gaming hours for $180.  If you have played with us before, you are entitled to 10% off.   </p> <p>Need your kids, nieces or nephews, grand kids or neighbor’s kids to be occupied for a bit so you can get work done & take care of your to-do list? Maybe your tween or teen is still a bit isolated and craves connection with their peers? Whether your teen/tween has played D&D before or is brand-new to the experience, this safe space brings players together to have fun and solve problems as a team in ways few other online opportunities do.</p> <p>All our games focus on experiential learning.   Our players leave knowing all the basic game play as well as experiencing: teamwork, bravery, compassion, generosity, negotiation, improvisation, gamer etiquette, strategy, critical thinking, problem solving, cartography and probability - all through online D&D adventuring!</p> <p>We are an inclusive organization and welcome gamers who are LGBTQIA+ and those on any spectrum. </p> <p>All girls’ groups available. </p> <p>I am a parent, a certified elementary school and middle school math teacher and last summer in the midst of the mess started Adventuring Portal, an online Dungeons & Dragons business for kids. There are so many benefits to playing D&D and I hope you will consider us as a great way for your child to safely socialize, grow as people and have a great time.</p>

British Swim School - Manhattan

<p>The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.  British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School’s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!</p>